How "Que sera, sera" Conquered the World - How Que Sera, Sera Went From Medieval Phrase to Timeless Hit
The iconic song Que Sera, Sera has left a lasting mark on music and film since its release in 1956. Written for the Alfred Hitchcock thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much, it became a global sensation and earned its composers an Academy Award.
Yet the phrase itself stretches back centuries, long before Doris Day's recording turned it into a household tune.
The earliest known use of Que Sera, Sera appears in a 15th-century English manuscript. By the 17th century, the expression had taken on its familiar meaning—one of accepting fate with resignation. Despite its Spanish-sounding phrasing, linguists confirm it has no roots in Spanish or Italian.
In 1956, Doris Day first recorded the song for Hitchcock's film, where it played a key role. She performed it twice: once as a gentle introduction and again during the movie's tense climax. Initially, Day was unimpressed by the track but later adopted it as her signature song.
Released as a single on February 24, 1956, Que Sera, Sera quickly topped charts worldwide. Composers Jay Livingston and Ray Evans won the 1957 Oscar for Best Original Song. The recording now ranks 48th on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest cinema songs.
Over time, the song's popularity led to more than 50 adaptations in different languages. However, there is no evidence that the phrase was known or used in German pop culture before Day's version brought it to fame.
From a medieval manuscript to a Hollywood classic, Que Sera, Sera has endured for over six hundred years. Doris Day's recording cemented its place in music history, while its message of acceptance continues to resonate. The song remains one of the most covered and recognised tunes of the 20th century.
